Exploring More

On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we bring you a special edition recorded live at the Heart of a Warrior Encounter. Host Michael Thompson is joined by Josh Wilson from Uncensored Advice for Men, and together, they have a heartfelt conversation in front of a live audience. In this episode, they explore the three essential things every man needs to hear: "I love you," "I'm proud of you," and "I'm sorry." Michael and Josh dive deep into how these words are not only vital to hear from God, the Father, but also from the important men and influences in our lives. They discuss the significance of understanding and accepting the Father's perfect love, while also emphasizing how our love for each other plays an essential role in shaping us as men. The two share personal stories about what it means to hear "I'm proud of you" from someone who matters, and how these words have impacted their lives and relationships. Finally, they talk about the healing power of the words "I'm sorry" and how seeking and granting forgiveness, both from God and from others, can lead to deep inner freedom and healing from past wounds. This bonus episode featuring Josh Wilson was an incredible experience for Michael Thompson, and we highly recommend checking out Josh's podcast, Uncensored Advice for Men. You can find his information below. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com Josh's Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@uncensoredadviceformen https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Season 4 of The Exploring More Podcast is finally here, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you! After a month-long break, we're returning with some truly captivating and thought-provoking conversations. This season, our aim is to inspire a fresh stirring in the hearts of men, inviting you to dig deeper into your own story and emotions. We hope the content sparks new reflections and encourages you on your journey. In the season premiere, we kick things off with a special Director/Producer interview featuring Michael Thompson and Caleb Richwine. They dive into what's in store for the season and share how we've tailored the content to be engaging and relevant, offering discussions we believe you'll want to hear. We start with our first series, focusing on an intriguing comparison between Biblical masculinity and Kingdom masculinity. Michael and Caleb explore the differences between the two and discuss how understanding them can help in redeeming generational masculinity. But that's not all! Next week, we'll release a bonus episode featuring Josh Wilson from Uncensored Advice for Men. Josh has been a close friend of ours for a long time, and this conversation is one you won't want to miss. From there, we dive into our second series, where we gathered Michael and four special guests around a roundtable to discuss King Me. These conversations offer powerful insights into the themes and hopes we have for the series. Finally, Michael and Caleb chat about everything else happening at Zoweh, from the DFG Men's Summits to the upcoming Deepening Weekend and much more. You can catch all of this and more in the season premiere of The Exploring More Podcast. We're so glad to have you back with us! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.dfgsummit.com Https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings wrap up their discussion on the current state of masculinity, diving deeper into the hope for men today. Building on the entirety of the series and the season, where they explored the importance of recognizing what's at play, how it is affecting you, and partnering with God to get your heart back, this episode takes listeners into a wrap up of all of that and the importance of self-examination and introspection. Michael and SJ paint a compelling picture of what it looks like when men who are fully oriented—those who are in tune with God's work in their lives—come together to see masculinity redeemed. They envision men who are not just passive participants but active partners with God in the pursuit of a life filled with meaning and More. Throughout this episode, Michael and SJ emphasize that awareness isn't healing. They encourage listeners that this will be a journey of finding the symptoms, treating the diagnosis, and walking through healing with other men. By fostering a community of oriented men, they believe that the landscape of masculinity can undergo a radical transformation, leading to the redemption of generational masculinity and a future where men live with greater purpose, strength, and connection. We are so thankful with how you have engaged with Season 3 of The Exploring More Podcast. We hope you enjoy this final episode of season 3 with Michael and SJ. We will see you October 1st! Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their thought-provoking discussion on the current state of masculinity, diving deeper into the hope for men today. Building on their previous conversation, where they explored the importance of accurately interpreting one's life and becoming oriented to the good that God is doing in their life, this episode takes listeners on a profound journey into the heart of what it means to live a life filled with purpose and direction. Michael and SJ paint a compelling picture of what it looks like when men who are fully oriented—those who are in tune with God's work in their lives—come together to speak into each other's lives. They envision men who are not just passive participants but active partners with God in the pursuit of a life filled with meaning and More. The episode opens with personal stories from the recent DFG summit held in the southern Ohio area, where the hosts witnessed these concepts in action. They share powerful examples of how the principles of initiation, validation, and orientation played out among the men who attended, offering a vivid illustration of the transformative potential of these ideas. Throughout the episode, Michael and SJ emphasize the critical role of walking with God as the cornerstone of healing and restoration. They encourage listeners to engage deeply with their own hearts, to embrace the vision of redeeming generational masculinity, and to commit to doing life together with others. By fostering a community of oriented men, they believe that the landscape of masculinity can undergo a radical transformation, leading to the redemption of generational masculinity and a future where men live with greater purpose, strength, and connection. This episode is a call to action for men to not only reflect on their own journeys but to actively participate in the collective healing and growth of masculinity. By partnering with God and each other, Michael and SJ argue that we can reshape the future for generations to come, creating a legacy of strength, compassion, and godly leadership that will resonate through time. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings tackle a profound and challenging question: What are the odds that you have truly interpreted your life correctly? Building on their previous conversation about biblical masculinity—what it is, and what it should ideally look like—this episode delves into even deeper territory, examining how our understanding of our own lives shapes our perceptions of God and, consequently, of ourselves. Michael and SJ open up a thought-provoking dialogue on the ways in which our life interpretations, often flawed and distorted by personal pain and misjudgments, have led to significant wounds in our spiritual and emotional lives. These wounds, they suggest, are often at the root of the "false self" that many men struggle with—the version of ourselves that we present to the world, which is often a far cry from the person God sees and knows us to be. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of walking with God as a path to healing and restoration. They encourage listeners to take a closer look at the stories they tell themselves about who they are and where they come from, and to consider how these narratives may be influenced by past hurts or misconceptions. By doing so, they argue, we can begin to dismantle the false self and move closer to the true identity that God has intended for us all along. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

What is Biblical Masculinity? Do we have the right understanding of it? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into these questions as they continue their extensive conversation about the challenges men face today. In the previous episode, they explored the obstacles preventing men from achieving a healthy sense of masculinity. This episode delves further into defining what that healthy position of masculinity looks like. Michael and SJ discuss how biblical masculinity can often be confusing and simplify it to 'just be like Jesus'. This leads to the crucial discussion: 'Do you have the correct view of Jesus?' Without a proper understanding of Jesus and how He sees us, we cannot truly grasp our identity to walk Dangerously for good. Join Michael and SJ as they guide listeners through a thoughtful discussion on walking with God to be restored to how He sees us. This episode of The Exploring More Podcast invites you to dive deeper into your heart and listen to what God is speaking to you. Don't miss this opportunity to explore more about your true self and spiritual journey. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Is there something in the way of masculinity becoming redeemed? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into this question as they continue an extensive conversation about the challenges facing men today. In the previous episode, they explored what might be missing from a man's life and the factors that have shaped men's experiences, rather than simply focusing on men's shortcomings. This episode delves further into the obstacles hindering the redemption of masculinity. Michael and SJ discuss how men are raised and portrayed in the media, from Disney movies to news outlets, and how these influences shape our understanding of masculinity. They explore the idea that we are born as disciples, but what we choose to follow or believe in is up to us. While we may start as disciples of our environment, we ultimately have the power to choose to be disciples of Jesus, working, with him, towards restoring and redeeming the parts of our lives that have been corrupted. Join Michael and SJ as they guide listeners through a thoughtful discussion on walking with God to be restored to how He sees us. This episode of The Exploring More Podcast invites you to delve deeper into your heart and listen to what God is speaking to you. Don't miss this opportunity to explore more about your true self and spiritual journey in this episode of The Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

Is there something missing from masculinity that needs to be redeemed? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings embark on a thoughtful discussion about the struggles faced by men today. Rather than focusing on what men are doing wrong, they explore what might be missing from a man's life and what has happened to men over time. This deep dive into the concept of restoration sets the stage for further conversations on the topic. Michael and SJ emphasize the masculine journey and their understanding of men's roles within the Kingdom. The episode serves as an entry point into a broader, more intricate discussion filled with historical context and various facets. Quoting Graham Cook, they highlight the idea that God doesn't see what's wrong with you; He sees what's missing from the image you were created to be. Join Michael and SJ as they guide listeners through a conversation about walking with God to restore ourselves to how He sees us. Tune in to this episode of The Exploring More Podcast to delve into your heart and discover what God is speaking to you. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their discussion on the importance of glory. They explore what it means to discover and embody your own glory in everyday life. This conversation delves into the idea of being image-bearers of God, being restored to an image, highlighting how we can reflect this image in our actions and choices. Building on the theological insights from the previous episode, the hosts shift their focus to healing and the journey of finding your glory. Utilizing resources like King Me and It's Your Call, they discuss the importance of understanding for whom your glory exists. True fulfillment comes from living in your glory without conditions, rather than seeking love through achievement. Join Michael and SJ as they unpack these profound ideas, encouraging listeners to reflect on how these insights can transform their spiritual journey and everyday lives. This episode promises to dive deep into what it means to walk in the fullness of your created purpose. Thanks for joining us on The Exploring More Podcast. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast

This week's installment of The Exploring More Podcast delves deeply into the important concept of Glory. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings embark on an exploration aimed at understanding whether Glory is in us. Throughout this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the notion of being image-bearers of God, illuminating what it truly means to reflect this image in our daily lives. Drawing from a list of biblical passages and insights from theologians such as Gary Barkelow, Howard Thurman, and C.S. Lewis, Michael and SJ provide a biblical perspective on embracing and embodying one's true Glory. They reflect on the implications of living authentically within this identity, offering practical wisdom and a biblical framework for navigating life's journey with Jesus. Join them as they unpack these ideas, inviting listeners to consider how these insights can transform their understanding of spirituality and daily living. This episode of the Exploring More Podcast promises to dive deep as it encourages a deeper exploration of what it means to walk in the fullness of one's created purpose. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org. https://www.zoweh.org/2R2K-map https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit https://www.zoweh.org/podcast